"It can be a difficult conversation; people often don't want to talk about it because legacy means you are no longer here. To many, "legacy" means what we leave as a gift or endowment, but it goes far beyond that. Your legacy involves much more than the money or property you leave. It is very personal and distinctly individual. Legacy is much more than what people say about us after we die. Our living legacy is what they say about us while we're alive. Who we really are is defined by what we do when we think no one is watching us."
Kindness and giving come naturally to Linda Marshall, daughter of the late Gerald Marshall, a successful transportation entrepreneur in Hamilton, Ontario. She's hardworking and dedicated and has built a living legacy.
Linda started her educational path at Mohawk College in 1980 in her hometown of Hamilton and dedicated her working career to the College for over three decades. "I had 18 positions in 32 years; frequently, I was asked to take on new roles and responsibilities, which provided growth and opportunities. I achieved a degree and a variety of certificate programs during my tenure. I would say I am a lifelong learner. I had the privilege of volunteering through the College and began to understand the need for funding and support. I have always been a strong proponent of giving, and I said if I ever have the means to give, I will give to education because education is the future. It encourages growth and development and demonstrates the value of hard work. Education helps us attain success in life."
Although Linda gives to many different organizations, she and her family donated $1.2 million to Mohawk College's Stoney Creek Campus, naming The Gerald Marshall Centre for Transportation in honour of their late father, Gerald Marshall. Linda believes that supporting education can have a worldwide impact. "Education fundamentally will change our world and the people around us; the more educated we are, the more we stretch our minds and look at the world beyond ourselves to make the world a better place." Several years later, Linda and her family recognized their impact on education through their initial gift. They decided to provide further support and created the Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship at Mohawk College Stoney Creek Campus with an additional donation of $1.5 million. This philanthropic gift included the participation of the younger generation.
Most want to leave a mark on this world—to know that one's life matters, and leaving a legacy means putting a stamp on the future and contributing to future generations. Leaving a legacy is engrained in Linda's life, even though it is not always easy to discuss.
"It can be a difficult conversation; people often don't want to talk about it because legacy means you are no longer here. Your legacy is extremely important, but just as important is your living legacy. Your living legacy is what people say about you now; it is what you project. It demonstrates who you are and your integrity. You are making a difference in someone else's life. If you are living your life every day with giving and without regret, you will have a strong legacy. I believe we get because we give. There are a variety of ways to give. But when I leave this earth, I want to leave a nest egg to make a difference in the lives of others. It has always been the College. I feel good about that, and I am grateful that my children understand and know that as well."
Linda has created a legacy in her family, as both her daughters graduated from Mohawk College, like their mom. "Just recently, my younger daughter, a Rotary member, shared her disappointment and frustration in gathering volunteers for an event. She didn't understand the lack of interest; she questioned why others wouldn't want to help and support the community. And I told her that not everyone has a giving heart; it often has to do with how you are raised. It's about the life you have lived and if giving back is a priority, you must walk the talk, be a role model and encourage your children to participate; this is your living legacy. If you are a giver now, you will pass that on to generations after you."
Giving back runs in Linda's family, the generous donation to Mohawk, their commitment to the local Rotary club and ongoing involvement in their community. "My brother was helping set up for the peach festival in Winona, and he called me to share how good it felt to be part of something; he felt connected to the organization he was helping. And I said I think the same way. Never ever has giving been a hardship. "
Helping students is the legacy that Linda will leave, and that brings a feeling of peace and solace. "It is comforting to know that there will be people out there that would not get an education without the support of others, so to know I can help them - it is a great feeling."
In 2015, Linda released her first book titled Giving Back, How To Find Your Personal Joy & Make A Difference To Others. Linda Marshall is an entrepreneur, author, business owner, motivational speaker, television host, and thought leader in Emotional Intelligence. Her second book, The Power of Emotion, A Practical Guide To Making The Most of Your Emotional Intelligence, and numerous online articles help individuals strive for excellence and reach their potential. You can find her at marshallconnects.com